Job Details

Forensic Science Technician

The Mission of the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is to provide medical examiner and crime laboratory services of the highest quality in an unbiased manner with uncompromised integrity.

To provide consistent, quality death investigation and laboratory analysis for the benefit of the entire community.

To create a technological strongpoint for legal agencies to facilitate justice in criminal and civil proceedings.

To establish an academic environment for training in the field of Forensic Science.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assist pathologists during post-mortem examination including opening the thoracic, abdominal and cranial cavities.
• Closes post-mortem incisions and facilitates storage of decedents.
• Fingerprints decedents following post-mortem examination
• Accepts, preserves and is accountable for clothing, property, and valuables belonging to decedents.
• Performs x-rays as needed for forensic studies.
• Works the morgue control desk as needed to include releasing decedents and personal property to establishments bearing authority from next of kin and accurately enters information into the database.
• Records and reconciles decedent inventory on a daily basis.
• Maintains the safety, sanitation, and custodial conditions of the morgue on a daily basis.
• Participates in special studies of the morgue as directed by the Director of Morgue & Histology Services.
• Provides assistance to other Medical Examiner staff as needed or requested by the Director of Morgue & Histology Services or Morgue Services Supervisor.

Other Duties:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Management may, at its discretion, assign, or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

All applicants must register and take the HRT Clerical Skills Test and score a minimum of 85% with a typing speed of 30 wpm and 85% accuracy.

Attachments required at time of application:

1. COPY OF TRANSCRIPTS (OFFICIAL OR UNOFFICIAL)
2. A HANDWRITING SAMPLE (INCLUDING A SAMPLE OF HANDWRITTEN NUMBERS)

Education:

• Associate of Arts/Science degree or equivalent (60 college hours) from an accredited college or university in Biological Sciences, Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, Physical Anthropology, or a related field.

Additional Requirements:

• Must pass Harris County Clerical Test with a score of at least 85% on all sections including a typing score of 30 wpm with 85% accuracy.
• Must provide a DNA sample to be maintained by the Forensic Genetics Laboratory for quality assurance purposes.
• Must have good written and verbal communication skills.
• Must demonstrate basic computer skills to include standard Microsoft Office applications.

Licensure:

• Must maintain a valid driver's license for the duration of employment.

Physical Requirements:

• Physical strength to move and lift decedents weighing over 200 pounds from stretcher to autopsy table and storage using acceptable techniques.
• Must have full range of motion and finger dexterity for grasping, holding, and pushing to handle a variety of tools for evisceration and suturing of decedents.
• Must be physically able to stand for extended periods of time and tolerate unpleasant odors from decomposed decedents.
• Must be able to effectively don and doff appropriate personal protective equipment (including N95 mask, gown, face protection, as well as self-contained breathing apparatus as required).
• Ability to wear personal protective gear for extended periods (hours) while assisting with postmortem examinations.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Must maintain the confidentiality and integrity of applicable information.
• Must possess the ability to deal physically and psychologically with death and human remains in various stages of decomposition, disease and trauma.
• Must pass criminal background check and drug / alcohol screening (prior to and randomly during employment)

Language Skills:

• Bilingual in English and Spanish

Location: Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, 1861 Old Spanish Trail, Houston, TX 77054

Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work: Full-Time | 40 hours per week

Work hours between 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m.

Includes weekends and holidays.

Weekend rotation is 4 weekends on / 4 weekends off

Work Environment: Morgue/ Laboratory Setting

Heavy exposure to blood/ bloodborne pathogens

Additional Information: Responds to emergency/disaster situations and functions as essential personnel during emergency operations.

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards. Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.